September is World Suicide Prevention Month and is a good time to remind ourselves that our words, actions, and support can truly make a difference in the lives of those who are facing the darkness of mental health challenges. We must acknowledge the pain that some individuals are silently enduring and let them know they are not alone. It's also a good time to share national and local resources in place to help those in crisis.
Mental health resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately. Uncomfortable on the phone? You can chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know you are not alone. There is help available, and there are people who care deeply about your well-being.
Along with the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, there are also several options in Peoria for finding help for you or someone you know who is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide. Some of those options include:
- Crisis Lines: Peoria County (309) 671-8084/Tazewell & Woodford Counties (309) 347-1148
- Emergency Response Service: (309) 671-8084|Trained helpers can transport a person who is actively suicidal
- Tri-County NIAMI(National Alliance of Mental Heath:309-693-0541/ https://namitri-countyillinois.org/
- Peoria County Public Health:https://www.pcchd.org/336/Mental-Health-Suicide-Awareness/https://www.pcchd.org/295/Community-Resources
- IDHS(Illinois Department of Human Services: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=123539
- IDPH(Illinois Department of Public Health:https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/suicide-prevention.html
- Trillium Place Health: 1 (888) 311-0321 /https://trilliumplacehealth.org/
- Illinois Warm Line: If you or one of your family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953 (Not a crisis line)
- Illinois Central College: 309-694-5217/ https://icc.edu/support/mental-physical-health/suicide-prevention-awareness/
- Peoria Public Schools: https://www.peoriapublicschools.org/o/pps/page/suicide-prevention
Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Events in & around Peoria
 Infographic by NAMI |
Find warning signs and risk factors of suicide, what you need to know about youth suicide, crisis resources, and more on NAMI.org.
Offer kindness, empathy, and support
During this World Suicide Prevention Month, let's be a beacon of hope for those in need. Our willingness to offer unwavering support, paired with our capacity to listen without judgment, can alter the trajectory of someone's life. Together, we can work towards creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, where struggles are met with compassion, and where every individual knows that they matter.
Let's unite in kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Let's light up the darkness with love and understanding. Remember, there's always hope – and there's always help.
